Backpack for Transporting Articles and For Ballistic Protection

ABSTRACT

A backpack for transporting articles and for ballistic including at least one compartment and opposing straps vertically attached to a back-facing portion of the backpack. A first compartment includes a plurality of pouches disposed on an inner surface of the first compartment to store various accessories, a second compartment immediately behind the first compartment defines a cavity sized to receive a bullet-proof material, and a third compartment is formed between the second compartment and the back-facing portion and used to store or transport various articles. Once the user senses danger or comes under fire, the user may deploy the backpack as a ballistic protection by shifting the backpack from where the back-facing portion rests on the user&#39;s back side to where the back-facing portion rests on the user&#39;s front side. While in the ballistic protection mode, the straps remain situate on the user&#39;s shoulders so that both of the user&#39;s hands remain free to access accessories stored within the backpack and to utilize firearms if necessary.

CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

U.S. Provisional Application for Patent No. 62/311,584, filed 03/22/2016, with title “Backpack for Transporting Articles and for Ballistic Protection” which is hereby incorporated by reference. Applicant claims priority pursuant to 35 U.S.C. Par. 119(e)(i).

Statement as to Rights to inventions made under Federally sponsored research and development: Not applicable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention.

This present invention is directed to protective devices and to backpacks and to load-bearing body armor and shielding and, more particularly, to a backpack usable not only for transporting articles but also as a ballistic shield for protection against weapon attacks.

2. Background Information.

Body armor has become increasingly prevalent in today's world. In addition, most people who wear body armor will normally be carrying a weapon as well as various weapon accessories. For example, police officers, soldiers and security guards often wear body armor and carry weapons and weapon accessories such as ammunition at the same time. Since body armor and weapons are separate items, it can be inconvenient for the user to carry both items separately when these items are not being used. Further, body armor can be uncomfortable at all times, especially when it is not necessary to do so.

In addition, while bulletproof vests serve as excellent protection for the upper body, they are too obvious, hot, unfashionable, and constraining for everyday use.

The prior art also includes a backpack carrier, wrapped with layers of bulletproof material creating a bulletproof backpack. In application, the user is required to physically remove the backpack from his/her person and hold the backpack like a shield in the event that the user comes under fire.

Application of this type backpack carrier, like any type backpack including the present invention, is easy to carry and unobtrusive, however with the prior art backpack carrier when in use, the backpack is held by the user like a shield for protection, separating the backpack/shield from the user's person, and limiting the use of both hands.

Accordingly, there is a need for a backpack that is not only easy to carry, unobtrusive, and fashionable, but is also designed for transporting articles such as weapons and weapon accessories, and for ballistic protection from bullets or shrapnel. Further, the backpack remains close to the user's person and the user's hands remain free to access other articles in the backpack during application.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A backpack for transporting articles and for ballistic protection is disclosed. The backpack includes at least one compartment and opposing straps vertically attached to a back-facing portion of the backpack. Once the user senses danger or comes under fire, the user may deploy the backpack as a ballistic protection by shifting the backpack from where the back-facing portion rests on the user's back side to where the back-facing portion rests on the user's front side. While in the ballistic protection mode, the straps remain situate on the user's shoulders. The backpack further includes additional straps to further prevent the backpack from shifting while in ballistic protection mode.

A first compartment includes a number of optional features, preferably including a plurality of pouches disposed on an inner surface of the first compartment to store various accessories. The backpack preferably includes a second compartment immediately behind the first compartment. The second compartment defines a cavity the approximate size of the back-facing portion. The cavity is used to house a bullet-proof material. The cavity is preferably configured to allow the bullet-proof material to be readily inserted and removed from it; or the cavity may be configured such that the bullet-proof material is a permanent part of the backpack. The backpack may further include a third compartment formed between the second compartment and the back-facing portion used to store or transport various articles, and may further be used to house an additional piece of bullet-proof material.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a first side view of a user wearing the present invention as a backpack.

FIG. 2 is a back view of the user wearing the backpack illustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a second side view of the user wearing the backpack illustrated in FIG. 1.

FIGS. 4-13 illustrate the steps of shifting the present invention from being worn as a backpack as shown in FIGS. 1-3 to a body vest for ballistic protection.

FIG. 14 shoes the first compartment of the present invention in an open position, and the flap of the first compartment downwardly suspended.

FIG. 15 is a front sectional view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a backpack for transporting articles and for ballistic protection.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In accordance with the present invention, a backpack for transporting articles and for ballistic protection is disclosed. The backpack is directed to a multi-functional body armor that can be worn and used as a conventional backpack for carrying articles (as shown in FIGS. 1-3) and shifted to a body vest to protect the user's upper body (as shown in FIGS. 4-13).

Thus the invention provides convenience to the user by allowing the user to combine the transporting of various articles and a body armor into a single item for carrying purposes yet be able to access and separate them quickly and conveniently during application.

The present invention provides for a method of converting the backpack to a frontal body vest that is self-maintained as a shield of protection thereby freeing both of the user's hands to access other articles in the backpack during application. In the broadest context, the backpack for transporting articles and for ballistic protection of the present invention consists of components configured and correlated with respect to each other so as to attain the desired objective.

The drawings illustrate a preferred embodiment of a backpack for transporting articles and for ballistic protection, designated as numeral 10, made in accordance with the present invention. As will be understood, during non-hostile times, the user may carry and use the backpack 10 for carrying or transporting various articles as will be further discussed. Once the user senses danger or comes under fire, the user may deploy the ballistic protection 50 (referenced in FIG. 15) by shifting the backpack 10 to the front side of the user's body for protection, as will be discussed.

To some degree, the backpack 10 is constructed and arranged specifically as is commonly known in the art. For example, the backpack 10 is constructed of canvas, nylon or the like, and is comprised of a substantial body shell 15 that includes a front side 16 having a first compartment 20 having a flap 22 with a zippered closure 21 or other closure form may be employed.

Backpack 10 may be constructed and arranged with only one compartment, or any number of compartments, and it may also be equipped with any number of pockets or receptacles constructed and arranged for accommodating various articles.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, shell 15 defines upper and lower extremities 25, 26, and opposing side extremities 27 and 28. Straps 30 and 31 are constructed and arranged to engage the shoulders 105 of a wearer or user 100, which is how backpack 10, like most backpacks, is to be worn.

Back-facing portion 35 (opposite the front side 16) is referred to as such because when the backpack 10 is worn in the “carrying” mode, it faces and overlies the back of the user. Straps 30 and 31 oppose one another and as illustrated, are appropriately attached 36 to the back-facing portion 35 defining an upper-most end 30A, 31A that are attached to the body's shell 15 adjacent the upper extremity 25.

The various components of backpack 10 are assembled with stitching and the nature of other conventional features of backpack 10 not discussed will readily occur to the skilled artisan.

Once the user senses danger or comes under fire, the user may deploy the backpack 10 as a ballistic protection by shifting the backpack 10 from where the back-facing portion 35 rests on the user's back side (“carrying mode”) to where the back-facing portion 35 rests on the user's front side (“ballistic protection mode”). As will be understood, while in the ballistic protection mode, the straps 30 and 31 remain situate on the user's shoulders 105.

The backpack 10 further includes adjustable upper horizontal straps 40A, 40B. As illustrated, strap 40A includes a buckle 40C for releasably attaching end 40D of strap 40B. The buckle 40C for securing the horizontal strap 40A that extends from strap 31 to the other horizontal strap 40B that extends from strap 30, essentially maintaining the straps 30 and 31 positioning during application. Straps 40A and 40B configured to maintain the backpack 10, and particularly to maintain the back-facing portion 35 in substantial contact with the front side of the user when in protection mode, and to generally prevent the backpack 10 from shifting while in use. The upper straps 40A, 40B, preferably may further include an adjuster 42A configured for adjusting the width of the straps so as to fit snugly around the user's body.

The backpack 10 further includes adjustable lower straps 44A, 44B. In particular, a first end 45A, 45B of straps 44A, 44B are appropriately attached 45A′, 45B′ to the lower extremity 26 of the body shell 15. In application, as best shown in FIGS. 1 and 10, the straps 44A, 44B may be loosely fitted around the user's side and each form a defined loop 46A, 46B, respectively, that are disposed along the sides of the user's lower body, and attach with a slide adjustment buckle 47A, 47B at the distal end 48A, 48B of each strap 44A, 44B. As illustrated, in application, the straps 44A, 44B forming the defined bops 46A, 46B are disposed between the user's arms and body. Distal end 48A having a ring 30C, and distal end 48B including a ring 31C.

As illustrated, the slide adjustment 47A, 47B is attached 30D′, 31D′ to a lower end 30D, 31D of straps 30, 31. Each slide adjustment 47A, 47B is configured for adjusting the size of the defined loop 46A, 46B along the side of the user's lower body. For example, with a larger sized loop as shown in FIGS. 1 and 10 the backpack 10 is loosely worn such as when the back-facing portion 35 of the backpack 10 is being worn in contact with the user's back, i.e., in the “carrying “mode, and a smaller sized loop as shown in FIG. 13, tightens the straps 44A, 44B around the sides of the user's lower body when the back-facing portion 35 is in contact with the front of the user's body, i.e., in the “ballistic protection” mode.

As will be understood, pulling the rings 30C, 31C in a downward direction pulls each respective strap, 44A, 44B through the respective slide adjustment 47A, 47B reducing the size of the define loop 46A, 46B thereby tightening the lower straps 44A, 44B along the sides of the user's lower body.

The first compartment 20 defines an open position (see FIGS. 14 & 15) and a closed position. The open position being used when the backpack 10 is being used as a ballistic protection device. The dosed position being used when the backpack 10 is being worn as a standard backpack.

The first compartment 20 includes a front flap 22 that preferably has a zippered closure 21 that extends entirely around the sides and top of the defined first compartment 20. As illustrated in FIGS. 14 and 15, in the open position, the flap 22 downwardly suspends from the lower end 20A of the compartment 20. Preferably, the outer interior surface 23 of the flap 22 includes an attachment 24, such as a hook and loop fastener (i.e. Velcro) for releasably attaching an identification (not shown).

The first compartment 20 further defines an interior surface 29 that preferably includes a plurality of molle straps 29A and Velcro 29B across the move straps that is configured for receiving a number of optional items such as storing ammunition, handcuffs, and other accessories (not shown).

Referring to FIG. 15, the backpack 10 includes a second compartment 60 that defines an opening 61 to access a cavity 60A that'is formed between an opposite side 29C of the interior surface 29 and a second inner surface 69. The cavity 60A being the approximate size of the back-facing portion 35, extending approximately from the upper extremity 25 to the lower extremity 26, and the side extremity 27 to the side extremity 28.

In the preferred embodiment, the cavity 60A is used to house at least one piece of bullet-proof material 50. The piece of bullet-proof material 50 may be a single sheet that is substantially similar in size to the cavity 60A. The piece of bullet-proof material 50 may be any one of numerous bullet-proof materials such as Kevlar-type or Spectra-type material or other bullet resistant textile fabric.

As illustrated, the second compartment 60 may further include an interior pocket 65 that defines a cavity 65A therein. The cavity 65A approximately extending from the upper extremity 25 to the lower extremity 26, and is preferably sized and shaped to frictionally receive a standard sized rifle plate 55. The interior pocket 65 is preferably configured to allow the rifle plate 55 to be readily inserted and removed through an opening 66.

The second compartment 60 preferably has a zippered closure 62 that extends along the sides and top of the second compartment 60 configured for opening and closing the access opening 61.

The interior pocket 65 of the second compartment 60 may be configured such that the rifle plate 55 is permanently positioned within the pocket 65 and the compartment 60, and therefore not including the opening 66. Similarly, the cavity 60A used to house the ballistic panel 50 is preferably configured to allow the panel 50 to be readily inserted and removed through the opening 61. However, the cavity 60A may be configured such that the panel 50 is permanently positioned within cavity 60A of the compartment 60 and therefore not including the opening 61 and zippered closure 62.

The shell 15 may also include having a third compartment 70 formed between an outer surface 67 of the second compartment 60 and the opposite side 29C of the interior surface 29.

The third compartment 70 defines a cavity 70A therein. The cavity 70A preferably being the approximate side of the back-facing portion 35, extending from the upper extremity 25 to the lower extremity 26, and the side extremity 27 to the side extremity 28.

The third compartment 70 preferably has a zipper closure 72 that preferably extends along the sides and top of the third compartment 70, configured for opening and dosing an access opening to the cavity 70A.

The third compartment 70 is used to store or transport various articles, and may further be used to house an additional piece of bullet-proof material (not shown).

Preferably, the shell 15 further includes a first side pocket 80 (see FIG. 15), and may include a second side pocket 90. As illustrated in FIG. 15, first side pocket 80 is disposed on side extremity 27, and second side pocket 90 is disposed on side extremity 28.

One or both of the side pockets may include a zippered closure 81, or a flap, or other closure form may be employed.

In the preferred embodiment, the side pocket 80 defines an inner surface (not shown) that is configured for releasably receiving a medi-kit (not shown). Preferably, the pocket's 80 inner surface includes a Velcro strip for releasably attaching the medi-kit.

As further illustrated, flap 22 may further define an opening 75 to access a cavity 76 that is formed between a flap inner surface 77 and an opposite side 23A of the interior surface 23 of the flap 22. The flap 22 may further include an interior zippered closure or a flap member 78, or other closure form may be employed. The defined cavity 76 is preferably sized and shaped to frictionally receive an additional piece of bullet-proof material 57 for added protection during application. In the alternative, the cavity 76 may be used to store or transport various articles.

In use, the backpack 10 can be shifted from the user's 100 back to the user's front side so that the back-facing portion 35 is in contact with the user's front side. The backpack 10 is shifted as will be described while the back-facing portion remains in contact with the user's body. In short, in order to shift the backpack 10 from the “carrying” mode to the “ballistic protection” mode, the user is not required to separate the backpack 10 from the user's body. Once the backpack 10 is shifted to the front of the user as described, the straps 30 and 31 remain in place on the user's shoulders and the straps 40 and 41 are fastened as discussed, such that both of the user's hands remain free to access accessories stored within the backpack and to utilize firearms if necessary.

When user 100 is wearing the backpack 10 in carrying mode as described, the back-facing portion 35 is in contact with the user's back side and, the horizontal straps 40A, 40B can be in the unbuckled or released position as shown in FIG. 1. For purposes of explanation of use only, FIG. 4 shows a vertical line 200 separating the user's 100 left side of the body LS and right side of the body RS. As shown, the user's left arm 106 and left leg 116 are on the left side LS and the right arm 107 and right leg 117 are on the right side RS. Similarly, strap 30 is on the left side LS and strap 31 is on the right side RS.

Once the user elects to shift the backpack to the ballistic protection mode, the user first attaches the upper horizontal straps 40A, 40B as described and shown in FIGS. 3-13. As shown in FIG. 5, the user then inserts a first arm from either the left or right side of the body through the corresponding strap on the same selected left or right side, below the connected upper horizontal straps 40A, 40B, and under the defined loop on the same selected left or right side. For example, and referring to FIG. 5, the user 100 is first inserting his left arm 106 (left side) through the strap situate on the same left side, strap 30, and under the defined loop 443 on the user's left side.

As shown in FIG. 6, the user then inserts the opposite side arm through the corresponding strap on the same opposite side, below the connected upper horizontal straps 40A, 40B, and under the defined loop on the same opposite side. For example, and referring to FIG. 6, the user 100 is inserting his right arm 107 (right side) through the strap situate on the same right side, strap 31, and under the defined loop 44A on the user's right side. In this position, the user's shoulders and arms are prepared to be released from the straps 30 and 31 however, in this position, the body shell 15 remains in contact with the user's body due to the connected upper horizontal straps 40A, 40B, and the straps positioned on the user's shoulders.

The user then begins the process of shifting the body shell 15 from the “carrying” mode to the “ballistic protection” mode by a first hand on the user's left or right side gripping the opposite side strap, below the connected upper horizontal straps 40A, 40B. For example, and referring to FIG. 7, the user's left hand 108 (left side) is gripping the opposite side strap 31 (right side).

Once the user grips the opposite strap as described, the user urges the opposite side strap with the connected body shell 15 in a direction so that the opposite side strap is slidingly urged in the direction across the front of the user's body. For example, and referring to FIG. 8, the user's left hand 108 (left side) slidingly urges the strap 31 (right side) in direction D across the front of the user's body, until strap 31 is positioned so that the user can insert the user's first arm 106 through the strap 31 as shown if FIG. 9.

It is important to note that while the first arm is gripping the opposite strap and urging the opposite strap across the front of the user's body as described, the second arm can remain in contact with the user's body and is not needed to assist in shifting the backpack as described.

Once the user's first arm is inserted through the opposite side strap as described (see FIG. 9), the user's first hand can grip the upper-most end of the opposite side strap and further urge the upper-most end of the strap across the front of the user's body until the back-facing portion 35 of the backpack 10 is in contact with the front of the user's body. For example, in FIG. 9, the user's first hand 108 (left side) is available to grip the upper-most end 31A of strap 31 (right side) and urge the upper-most end 31A toward the left side LS until the back-facing portion 35 is positioned and in contact with the front of the user's body.

The opposite arm is then inserted through the strap situate on the opposite arm's side of the body. For example, in FIG. 10, the opposite arm 107 (right side) is inserted through the strap 30 (right side).

Once the backpack 10 is shifted to the front of the user's body as described, the user pulls the rings 30C, 31C in a downward direction thereby adjusting the lower straps 44A, 44B as discussed in order to fit snugly along the user's lower body. As best shown in FIG. 13, pulling the rings 30C, 31C in a downward direction as described also raises the upper extremity 25 covering the user's upper chest area and again, tightening the straps 44A, 44B with the user's lower body.

As best shown in FIGS. 11, 12 and 14, once the shell 15 is shifted to the front of the user's body as described, both of the user's hands remain free to access accessories stored within the various compartments of the backpack and to utilize firearms if necessary.

While the instant invention has been shown and described herein in what are conceived to be the most practical and preferred embodiments, it is recognized that departures may be made therefrom within the scope of the invention, which is therefore not to be limited to the details disclosed herein, but is to be afforded the full scope of the claims so as to embrace any and all equivalent apparatus and articles.

As such, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that modifications may be made to the embodiments described above without departing from the scope of the invention. Thus the scope of the invention should be determined by the claims in the formal application and their legal equivalents, rather than by the examples given. 

1. A ballistic protection backpack comprising: a body shell that includes a front side, a first compartment with a closure, a second compartment disposed within said first compartment, and wherein said body shell further defines a back-facing portion that extends from an upper end of the body shell to a lower end, and from a first side to a second side, first and second straps arranged to engage a user's shoulders, and wherein said first and second straps oppose one another and each having a first end appropriately attached to the back-facing portion adjacent the upper end, adjustable upper horizontal first and second straps, wherein said first horizontal strap includes a buckle for releasably attaching to an end member of said second horizontal strap, and wherein said first horizontal strap extends from said second strap and said second horizontal strap extends from said first strap, and wherein said first and second horizontal straps each including a slide adjustor configured for adjusting the width between the first and second straps so as to fit snugly around the user's upper body, an adjustable first lower straps eat having a first end appropriately attached to a lower-most end of said first side, and an adjustable second lower strap having a first end appropriately attached to a lower-most end of said second side, and wherein each first and second lower straps form a defined loop disposed along opposite sides of the user's lower body and each first and second lower strap having a distal end, and each distal end is in communication with a slide adjustment, and wherein said distal end of said first lower strap includes a first ring and said distal end of said second lower strap includes a second ring, and wherein said slide adjustment of said first lower strap is attached to a second end of said first strap and wherein said slide adjustment of said second lower strap is attached to a second end of said second strap, and wherein said first compartment having an open position and a closed position and includes an interior surface, and when in said open position a front flap of said first compartment is configured to downwardly suspend from a lower end of the first compartment, and wherein an outer interior surface of said front flap includes an attachment member for releasably attaching an identification, and wherein said second compartment defines a first cavity adjacent said interior surface, said first cavity being the approximate size of the back-facing portion and configured for receiving at least one piece of bullet-proof material.
 2. The backpack of claim 1, wherein said interior surface includes a plurality of molle straps.
 3. The backpack of claim 1, wherein said front flap includes a zippered closure.
 4. The backpack of claim 3, wherein said zippered closure extends entirely around the sides and top of the first compartment.
 5. (canceled)
 6. The backpack of claim 4, wherein said second compartment further includes an interior pocket accessible within said first cavity, said interior pocket having a second cavity therein, said second cavity configured to receive a second piece of bullet-proof material.
 7. The backpack of claim 6, wherein said second compartment includes a zippered closure.
 8. (canceled)
 9. The backpack of claim 6, wherein said second piece of bullet-proof material is fixed within said second cavity.
 10. The backpack of claim 1, wherein said at least one piece of bullet-proof material is fixed within said first cavity.
 11. The backpack of claim 1, wherein said first compartment further includes a third compartment formed between an outer surface of the second compartment and an opposite side of the interior surface.
 12. The backpack of claim 11, wherein said third compartment defines a third cavity therein.
 13. The backpack of claim 12, further including a first side pocket disposed on said first side.
 14. The backpack of claim 13, further including a second side pocket disposed on said second side.
 15. The backpack of claim 1, wherein said front flap includes a flap cavity.
 16. The backpack of claim 15, wherein said flap cavity sized and shaped to receive a third piece of bullet-proof material.
 17. A method of converting a ballistic protection backpack from a carrying mode to a ballistic protection mode, said method comprising the following steps: attaching a first upper horizontal strap to a second upper horizontal strap of a ballistic protection backpack, said backpack including a body shell that includes a front side, a first compartment with a closure, a second compartment with a closure, and wherein said body shell further defines upper and lower extremities, opposing first and second side extremities, and first and second straps arranged to engage a user's shoulders, and a back-facing portion opposite the front side, and wherein said first and second straps oppose one another and having a first end appropriately attached to the back-facing portion adjacent the upper extremity, and wherein said first horizontal strap includes a buckle for releasably attaching to an end member of said second horizontal strap, and wherein said first horizontal strap extends from said second strap and said second horizontal strap extends from said first strap, and wherein said first and second horizontal straps each include a slide adjuster configured for adjusting the width of the first and second straps so as to fit snugly around the users upper body, and adjustable first and second lower straps each having a first end attached to the lower extremity, and wherein each first and second lower straps form a defined loop disposed along opposite sides of the user's lower body and each first and second lower strap having a distal end that is in communication with a slide adjustment, and wherein said distal end of said first lower strap includes a first ring and said distal end of said second lower strap includes a second ring, and wherein said slide adjustment of said first lower strap is attached to a second end of said first strap and wherein said slide adjustment of said second lower strap is attached to a second end of said second strap, and wherein said first compartment including a front flap that is configured to downwardly suspend from a lower end of the first compartment when said first compartment is in said open position, and wherein said second compartment defines a first cavity sized and shaped for receiving at least one piece of bullet-proof material, inserting a first arm on a first side of the user's body through the shoulder strap disposed on said first side of the user's body, below the connected upper horizontal straps, and under the defined loop on said first side of the user's body, inserting a second arm on an opposite side of the user's body through the shoulder strap disposed on said opposite side, below the connected upper horizontal straps, and under the defined loop on said opposite side, gripping with the user's hand on said first side of the user's body the shoulder strap disposed on said opposite side of the user's body below the connected upper horizontal straps, urging the gripped shoulder strap and the body shell in a direction so that the gripped shoulder strap is slidingly urged across the front of the user's body, inserting the user's first arm through the opposite side shoulder strap, gripping an upper-most end of said opposite side shoulder strap with the user's first hand and further urging said upper-most end of said opposite side shoulder strap across the front of the user's body until the back-facing portion of the backpack is in contact with the front of the user's body, inserting said opposite arm through the shoulder strap disposed on said opposite side of the user's body, pulling said first and second rings in a downward direction thereby adjusting the first and second lower straps to fit snugly along the user's lower body.
 18. The method of claim 17, wherein said first cavity further includes a second compartment having a second cavity therein, said second cavity sized and shaped to receive a second piece of bullet-proof material.
 19. The method of claim 18, wherein said body shell including a third compartment having a third cavity sized and shaped to receive a third piece of bullet-proof material.
 20. The method of claim 19, wherein said front flap includes a flap cavity sized and shaped to receive an additional piece of bullet-proof material. 